the gop is offering to close tax loopholes and limit deductions instead. >> the revenues we're putting on the table are going to come from, guess who? the rich. >> reporter: republicans say if bush-era tax cuts are not extended for everyone, it will hurt the economy. and they invited small business owners here to capitol hill to make their point. >> max olson opened an shrpses company this year. and is concerned he won't be able to add hmmees-- employees. >> you add their payroll and extra tax amount. and i may not be able to hire them because of it. >> reporter: i'm here to tell -- >> i'm here to tell you nobody wants to get this done more than me. >> reporter: the president said he wants to raise tax rates on just about everyone in the room. >> we're not insisting on rates just out of spite or out of any kind of partisan bickering. but rather because we need to raise a certain amount of revenue. >> reporter: the president said once republicans put rate hikes on the table, the two sides could find compromise. in washington, danielle nottingham, wjz eyewitness news. >> republicans say